German Nebelwerfer Rocket Mortar - YouTube German Nebelwerfer Rocket Mortar Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Dec 29, 2010 The Nebelwerfer ("Smoke Mortar"[1] literally "Fog thrower") was a World War II German series of weapons originally designed to deliver chemical weapons.[citation needed] They were initially developed by and assigned to the Wehrmacht's so-called Chemical Troops (Nebeltruppen). This weapon was given its name as a disinformation strategy designed to lead spies into thinking that it was merely a device for creating a smoke screen.[citation needed] They were primarily intended to deliver poison gas and smoke shells,[citation needed] although a high-explosive shell was developed for their Nebelwerfers from the beginning.

Initially two different mortars were fielded before they were replaced by a variety of rocket launchers ranging in size from 15 to 32 centimetres (5.9 to 13 in). The thin walls of the rockets had the great advantage of allowing much larger quantities of gases, fluids or high-explosive to be delivered than artillery or even mortar shells of the same weight. Nebelwerfers were used in every campaign of the German Army during World War II with the exception of the Balkans Campaign. One rocket was even adapted for air-to-air use against Allied bombers. The name was also used to fool observers from the League of Nations, who were observing any possible infraction of the Treaty of Versailies, from discovering that the weapon could be used for explosive and toxic chemical payloads as well as the smoke rounds the name Nebelwerfer suggests. After the crew had loaded and aimed the launcher, they had to take cover 10 to 15 metres (11 to 16 yd) away to avoid the exhaust flames, and would fire the rockets with an electric switch.

After firing, however, a long streak of smoke was visible from a considerable distance, leaving the Nebelwerfer vulnerable to counter-battery fire. It was therefore necessary to relocate the launcher and crew as soon as possible after firing.[12] The loud, shrill howling noise of the incoming rockets led American soldiers in the Sicily campaign to give it the nicknames "Screaming Meemie" and "Moaning Minnie". Category Lone Sentry: Germany's Rocket and Recoilless Weapons (U.S. WWII Intelligence Bulletin, March 1945) Photos, Articles, & Research on the European Theater in World War II "Germany's Rocket and Recoilless Weapons" from Intelligence Bulletin, March 1945 A U.S. intelligence report on German rocket and recoilless weapons, from the Intelligence Bulletin , March 1945. [Editor's Note: The following article is wartime information on enemy weapons and tactics published for Allied soldiers. More accurate data on WWII German weapons and tactics is available in postwar publications.] Germany's Rocket and Recoilless Weapons The capabilities of German rocket and recoilless weapons warrant serious study by U.S.

soldiers, not only because they are highly effective and mobile but because they are being used increasingly, in view of Germany's raw material shortages, as substitutes for conventional artillery and antitank weapons. When the Germans began this war, they believed that their Stuka bombers—the Ju 87 and the Ju 88 —would take over a high percentage of direct infantry-support missions from the field artillery. No matter how well these aircraft may have accomplished their missions during the campaign in Poland, Norway, the Low Countries, and France, their inability to take over a field artillery role became evident after Germany had attacked Russia and had encountered masses of Russian artillery. However, by the time the attrition of the war with Russia had its cramping effect on German industry, it was too late for Hitler to build up his artillery arm sufficiently to gain the necessary superiority. The Wurfrahmen 40 is here shown in action. Four wooden rocket-carrying crates are in place on the plates on the side of the half-track. The last of the four rockets has just been fired. Before the war the Germans, like the Russians, had been experimenting with rocket developments.

When the need for artillery substitutes became apparent, the Germans naturally turned to rockets and rocket launchers since these were relatively inexpensive and could be produced quickly. In contrast to artillery, rockets do not require electric-furnace steel, carefully forged tubes, or heavy carriages with delicately machined recoil and counterrecoil mechanisms. The first German rockets were those launched from the Schweres Wurfgerät 40 ("heavy throwing apparatus") and the Schweres Wurfgerät 41. These fire either 180-pound high-explosive or 196-pound incendiary rockets. These rockets are 280-mm and 320-mm in diameter, and weigh 180 and 196 pounds respectively. The Schweres Wurfgerät 40 consists merely of a wooden frame (Wurfgestell 40) which fires rockets from wooden shipping crates; the 41, of a steel frame (Wurfgestell 41) holding either wooden or steel shipping crates. The launcher Schweres Wurfrahmen 40 consists of plates on the side of an armored half-track. Each half-track mounts a total of six plates, three on each side.

The rocket-carrying crates are secured to the plates, and the latter are then inclined at a right angle for firing. Rockets also are fired from a Wurfgerät by the simple process of inclining the "heavy throwing apparatus" (shipping crate) in a trench (or against a firm rest) and setting a correct angle. The 300-mm high-explosive rocket also may be fired in this manner. In 1941 there appeared the now-famous 15-cm Nebelwerfer 41, or rocket projector, which U.S. soldiers have nicknamed the "Screaming Meemie." (The literal translation of Nebelwerfer is "smoke thrower.") This weapon launches its rockets from six grooved tubes, which are 5.9 inches in diameter. Although the tubes are mounted on a two-wheeled carriage with a split trail, the whole apparatus is so light that two men can manhandle it easily. The 15-cm Nebelwerfer 41 is supposed to fire in batteries of six pieces, with each piece launching a six-round salvo every 8 minutes.

(Misfires are common.) The crew takes shelter in a slit trench before firing, and discharges the six rockets by remote control, following a prescribed sequence. The rockets' maximum range is about 8,000 yards. The Wurfgerät 41 consists of a frame of steel tubing on which may be placed 280- or 320-mm rockets in either wooden or steel crates. (The wooden crates are illustrated above.) The rockets are fired from these crates. Similar to the 15-cm Nebelwerfer 41 is the five-tube 21-cm Nebelwerfer 42. This launcher fires 8-inch rockets as far as 8,600 yards. Its high-explosive rockets are shaped like artillery shells, and the Germans consider these rockets their most effective long-range rocket projectiles. Of the heavy rocket weapons, the six-barreled 150-mm 15-cm Nebelwerfer 41 has been encountered by U.S. troops more widely than any other.

It is generally referred to loosely as "the Nebelwerfer." To give their larger rockets greater accuracy and to speed up the firing, the Germans have provided two-wheel carriages with pneumatic tires. These carriages and launchers differ from those for the 150-mm and 210-mm Nebelwerfer. The larger launchers consist of steel frames into which the shipping crates are inserted. The most common of these launchers—the 28/32-cm Nebelwerfer 41—has six frames, which fire either the 320-mm incendiary rocket or the 280-mm high-explosive rocket, as fired from the Wurfgeräte and Wurfrahmen. For the latter, liners are fitted inside the frames. These rockets may be fired at the rate of one salvo (six rockets) in 10 seconds. Theoretically, the battery of six pieces is supposed to fire simultaneously. Each piece has a crew of seven men. When they are ready to fire, they take cover in two slit trenches about 30 yards to the rear of the right side of the piece. The time allotted to reload each Nebelwerfer is 5 minutes.

The ammunition usually is piled on the ground to the right and left of the piece. The maximum range for the 280-mm high-explosive rocket is only 2,100 yards; and for the 320-mm incendiary rocket, 2,400 yards. The minimum range is 1,375 yards. It is reported that the Germans prefer ranges of from 1,870 to 2,090 yards. U.S. soldiers inspect a captured 28/32-cm Nebelwerfer 41. The weapon is loaded, but electrical leads are not connected to the bases of the rocket motors. Note the box (shown open) which protects the sight. The 300-mm launcher 30-cm Nebelwerfer 42 is constructed along much the same lines as the 28/32-cm Nebelwerfer 41. Dissatisfied with the slow rate of fire of these launchers, the Germans conducted experiments in an effort to attain a faster rate. Their research resulted in production of the 15-cm Panzerwerfer 42.

This consists of two banks of 15-cm Nebelwerfer launching tubes, with six tubes in each bank. The launching unit is mounted on an armored half-track. Since the crew need not dig slit trenches, but can take cover in the vehicle instead, fire can be delivered somewhat faster than from other Nebelwerfer. Panzerwerfer are organized in the standard rocket-launcher battery of two platoons of three pieces each. Although the name Nebelwerfer implies that the original purpose of these rocket launchers was to lay down smoke concentrations, it must be remembered that these same launchers can serve as projectors for gas-loaded rockets. Their thin-skinned projectiles can carry far more gas, incendiary, or smoke-generating material than can thick-walled artillery shells. (The 300-mm rocket, for example, carries 10 gallons of incendiary material.) Since pinpoint accuracy is not necessary in building up smoke concentrations, the Nebelwerfer's lack of preciseness is of little importance when chemical rockets are used. High explosive is a different matter.

A great deal of high explosive can be crammed into these rockets (the 280-mm carries 55 pounds of high explosive), but since direct hits on personnel and installations must be scored, inaccuracy is a seriously compromising factor. In general, Nebelwerfer firing high explosive are useful only against area targets, such as towns. The walls of the rocket yield little fragmentation, and the effect is chiefly blast. The Panzerwerfer 42 fires the some rockets as the 15-cm Nebelwerfer 41, but has 10 instead of six barrels. The barrels are shown loaded. Smoke trails from the flying rockets betray the battery locations, no matter what type of ammunition is fired. For this reason, the Germans try to make the most of initial surprise concentrations, especially with the shorter-range rockets. In prolonged fire frequent shifting of battery positions is necessary if counterbattery is to be avoided. With their customary eagerness to turn their shortcomings into assets, the Germans have tried to make capital out of the spectacular effect of rocket trails and have even gone so far as to put coloring matter in the propellants.

The enemy believes that the scream of the rockets and the loud bursts of the heavily laden but inaccurate projectiles weaken the morale of Allied troops meeting these phenomena for the first time. Less spectacular, but more practical, are the recoilless weapons used in antitank warfare.[ 1 ] When the Russian T-34 medium tank appeared in 1941, the Germans realized that all conventional antitank guns smaller than 75-mm in caliber would become obsolete. Already hard-pressed for artillery, the enemy simply could not produce enough heavy antitank pieces approximately the size of field guns. Therefore, when the U.S. bazooka was introduced, they promptly adapted the weapon for their own use. Then they developed their Panzerfaust series. The latest Panzerfaust, the 60, is known to have a maximum range of about 90 yards. Its folding sight, in a downward position, acts as a safety. Raised, it has three rectangular holes. When the target is aligned with a stub on the upper edge of the projectile, sighting through the lowest hole gives a 33-yard range; through the middle hole, a 66-yard range; and through the upper hole, an 88-yard range.

This Panzerfaust will penetrate better than 7 inches of armor. Like all the German one-man recoilless weapons, the latest Panzerfaust fires a hollow-charge projectile. However, the Panzerfaust 60's projectile is unusual in that the head with the explosive charge may be carried separately; just before firing, the head is attached to the stick and vanes, which have been kept in the launching tube. There are two types of German bazooka both of which the German soldiers call Ofenrohr, or "stovepipe." The newer is the 8.8-cm R. Pz. B. 54; its shield for the firer is the feature which principally distinguishes it from the earlier R. Pz. B. 43. According to the Germans, the Ofenrohr's 88-mm, 7.5-pound, hollow-charge round can achieve penetrations on any Allied armored vehicle at ranges up to 160 yards, but is not suitable for use against unarmored targets. Larger and clumsier than the U.S.

bazooka, the Ofenrohr has projectile guide tubes, which wear out after about 300 rounds have been fired. The Panzerfaust 30 (top) and Panzerfaust 60 (bottom). German directives call for each rifle company to form rocket-launching personnel into at least one antitank section.[ 2 ] The section consists of a leader, a driver (for a horse-drawn vehicle), and two squads of six men each. Each squad has three rocket launchers. Ten rounds are allotted to each launcher. Launchers and ammunition are carried in a two-wheeled towable infantry cart (I.F. 8). If possible, personnel of the entire section are provided with rifle grenade launchers, suitable antitank and smoke grenades, and magnetic hollow charges for antitank close combat. A German antitank bazooka team consists of two men, the loader and the firer. If the firer is operating the shieldless R. Pz. B. 43, he wears special gloves and headgear. Recently captured Ofenrohr have had very noticeable fore and rear sights and shields to protect the users.

The Ofenrohr is here shown with its 88-mm projectile. The Germans specify that the section should be used as a whole, whenever possible. Each squad is dug in so that the fires of its three bazookas interlock. Slit trenches in what the Air Forces would call a "V of V's," with the prongs of all the V's facing the opposing force, is the favorite German way of digging in each The V-shape of each slit trench permits the loader to take shelter and yet remain close to the operator and the weapon. Alternate positions are prepared, with communication trenches dug so that personnel can change positions in battle without unnecessary risk. If sections are held in reserve for any reason, they prepare positions ahead of time for possible use, and reconnoiter covered approach routes by which the positions may be occupied. To give reserve sections time to deploy, and to ensure that forward bazooka squads are alerted, the Germans try to devise extensive warning systems to indicate the approach of hostile tanks. As the tanks approach, Ofenrohr teams are supposed to keep cool and to withhold fire until short ranges have provided the best opportunities for scoring hits.

Such waits also increase the possibility of surprise, and permit teams to get a maximum number of tanks within range. The German intention is to destroy as many tanks as possible before the vehicle can take evasive action or drawback out of bazooka range. Usually the choice of target and the moment to open fire are left to the initiative of each bazooka operator. Sometimes section or squad leaders may give fire orders in advance, as a means of ensuring surprise fire effect. To open fire, the launcher is lifted above ground level, and then is brought back into the trench for reloading. Of incidental interest is the following extract from an order by a German regimental commander: In recent fighting it was discovered that projectiles fired at a tank from an Ofenrohr at a range of 5 yards did not explode, but bounced harmlessly off the armor. In the future, therefore, tank hunters must take pains to fire the Ofenrohr at a minimum range of 32 yards. The Püppchen ("Dolly"), a carriage-mounted rocket launcher with breechblock, fires the same 88-mm rocket that is used with the Ofenrohr. The breech prevents any flash to the rear while firing is in progress.

To lower the Püppchen's silhouette, the wheels may be removed and the piece left standing on two sled-like rests. In preliminary positions the ground is dug out so that the horizontal section of the lower carriage and trail will lie below the surface. For an all-around prepared position, circular trenches with an inner radius of about 2 feet are prepared. The barrel is left just clear of cover, as is done in the case of the preliminary positions. The lower carriage is dug in and the trail wedged, so that the piece can be fired at an angle of 180 degrees. Positions are prepared in defilade or on reverse slopes, and are well camouflaged. In general, enemy doctrine governing the preparation of positions and the conduct of fire is similar to that for the Ofenrohr, except that only two projectors of the Püppchen type are considered necessary for satisfactory interlocking fire. The maximum effective range of the Püppchen is considered to be 220 yards, although badly dispersed fire up to 275 yards is possible. For this reason the Püppchen, like the Ofenrohr, is employed in the foremost infantry positions.

For added protection from artillery fire, the launcher may be detached from its carriage and removed to a shelter some distance away from the prepared position. Alternate positions are prepared only when the terrain restricts the field of fire and provides good cover for the maneuvering piece. In such terrain each position is constructed so that the Püppchen can be run in and out on wheels. Since the Püppchen is harder to conceal than the Ofenrohr, the Germans believe that it is necessary to furnish the larger weapon with antitank protection in the form of obstacles, natural or artificial, supplemented by mines. Because the Püppchen's carriage is not strong enough to stand up under motor towing at high speed, and since horse-draft sacrifices valuable time and involves the problem of replacing animal casualties, the Püppchen generally is transported on trucks and is used only in positional warfare. The Püppchen is a recoilless weapon firing the same ammunition as the Ofenrohr. It has no rearward flash and has a greater range than the Ofenrohr. The 88-mm rocket used in both the Ofenrohr and the Püppchen is heavy enough to cause ammunition-supply difficulties in battle.

(A box of three rounds weighs 24 pounds.) This is why the Germans try to build up supplies in all main and alternate positions. Although the German bazooka, the Panzerfaüste, and the Püppchen have a very definite military value, they and the larger rocket weapons are now employed on such a large scale because shortages of materials, labor, and industrial facilities prevent the Germans from producing the requisite number of conventional artillery and antitank weapons. For instance, the average antitank company, which formerly was armed with from 9 to 12 guns, now has either around 3 guns and 36 bazookas, or no guns and about 54 bazookas. Probably the Panzerfaust is the most useful of these weapons, enabling the infantry squad and comparable units to stop Allied tanks. [1] See Intelligence Bulletin, Vol. III, No. 3, pp. 74-79, excepting the incorrect illustration of the Panzerwurfmine. The Panzerwurfmine is correctly illustrated in the present issue. [2] It should also be noted that each Volksgrenadier division contains a bazooka company (the 14th).

This company has 3 platoons, with 18 bazookas in each platoon. The platoon has 3 sections, with 6 bazookas in each section. The section has 2 squads, with 3 bazookas in each squad. [3] This tactic was discussed in Intelligence Bulletin, Vol. III, No. 6, pp. 13-14. 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 | Military Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 A 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 launcher while reloading. Type 1,130 kilograms (2,490 lb) (empty) Crew 145 metres per second (480 ft/s) Maximum range 1,925 metres (2,105 yd) (15 cm) 2,200 metres (2,400 yd) (15 cm) The 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 (15 cm NbW 41) was a German multiple rocket launcher used in the Second World War .

It served with units of the Nebeltruppen, the German equivalent of the U.S. Army's Chemical Corps . Just as the Chemical Corps had responsibility for poison gas and smoke weapons that were used instead to deliver high-explosives during the war, so did the Nebeltruppen. The name "Nebelwerfer" is best translated as "fog thrower" or "smoke thrower". Wgr. 41 projectile for the 15cm Nbw 41 on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Nebelwerfer 41 rocket launcher on display at the Rock Island Arsenal museum, viewed from the front Nebelwerfer 41 rocket launcher, breech view Rocket development had begun during the 1920s and reached fruition in the late-30s. These offered the opportunity for the Nebeltruppen to deliver large quantities of poison gas or smoke simultaneously. The first weapon to be delivered to the troops was the 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 in 1940, after the Battle of France, a purpose-designed rocket with gas, smoke and high-explosive warheads.

It, like virtually all German rocket designs, was spin-stabilized to increase accuracy. One very unusual feature was that the rocket motor was in the front, the exhaust venturi being about two-thirds down the body from the nose, with the intent to optimize the blast and fragmentation effect of the rocket as the warhead would still be above the ground when it detonated. This proved to greatly complicate manufacture for not much extra effect and it was not copied on later rocket designs. It was fired from a six-tube launcher mounted on a towed carriage adapted from that used by the 3.7 cm PaK 36 to a range of 6,900 metres (7,500 yd). Almost five and a half million 15 cm rockets and six thousand launchers were manufactured over the course of the war. Notes German Nebelwerfer vs. Soviet Katyusha German Nebelwerfer vs. Soviet Katyusha Muzeum Wojska Polskiego in Warsaw, Poland. Rocket artillery dates back in its origin to the ancient Persians and Greeks. It was the Chinese that used it on a wide scale, followed by the Mongols.

Rocket artillery reached Europe in XIII century only to become popular in XVI and XVII century. It saw use in most of the wars until XX century but was pushed aside by development of regular artillery. Until 1920s and 1930s, rocket artillery remained forgotten only to make a comeback in World War II, mainly in service of Germany and Soviet Union. During period from 1920s to 1945, Soviets developed variety of rockets (commonly known as "Katyusha" and "Stalin’s Organs") including: Rocket launchers of the types listed above were mounted on variety of vehicles including: BM-8-36 – ZiS-6 6×6 truck BM-8-48 – Studebacker 6×6 truck BM-13-16 – various trucks and vehicles In the same period, Germans also developed variety of rockets including: 280mm / 320mm schweres Wurfgeraet 40 280mm / 300mm / 320mm schweres Wurfgeraet 41 Rocket launchers of the types listed above were mounted on variety of vehicles.

Those included halftracks (e.g. SdKfz.251, Maultier, Schwere Wehrmachtschlepper), captured French tanks (e.g. Hotchkiss H-35 / 38 / 39, Renault UE / AMX UE) and captured French personnel carriers (e.g. Somua MCG / MCL). The first use of rocket artillery in World War II is often wrongly attributed to the Red Army, while Wehrmacht was the first one to use it. Four Nebelwefer Regiments of the Wehrmacht were among many artillery units that opened fire on June 22nd of 1941 at 3:15am, beginning the Operation "Barbarossa". Red Army used rocket artillery for the first time on July 14/15th of 1941, firing at the rail station at Orsza (controlled by the Army Group Center) on the Minsk-Moscow route.

"Artyleria Rakietowa Wehrmachtu" – Z.Czarnotta & Z.Moszumanski "The Complete Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II" – Chris Bishop 30 cm Nebelwerfer 42 | World War II Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia 30 cm Nebelwerfer 42 This article is about the 30 cm version of the Nebelwerfer 42. You may be looking for the 21 cm version Nebelwerfer 42 (30 cm) A NbW 42 in service on the Eastern Front . Production Information 6 x 1-round launch racks Range The Nebelwerfer 42 (30 cm), also simply known as the 30 cm NbW 42, was a rocket artillery launcher that was used by Germany during World War II . Description Edit The NbW 42 was part of the German Nebelwerfer series of rocket launchers that were developed throughout the war. The Nebelwerfer 42 fired 30 cm rockets at a distance of over 4,400 meters.

[1] The launcher itself consisted of six launch racks arranged in a three-over-three style, and was mounted on a two-wheeled trailer carriage. The NbW 42 was created by converting an existing Nebelwerfer 41 (28 cm) rocket launcher from launch tubes to launch racks. The NbW 42 fired the 30 cm Wurfkörper 42 Spreng spin-stabilized missile through an electronic firing system, in a timed ripple fashion, but could not fire rockets in singles. The back blast of the rockets kicked up much debris, which forced the crew to take cover before firing. This left the weapon exposed to counter-battery fire, for which reasons the crew had to displace the launcher hastily after firing. [2] The rocket ammunition used by the NbW 42 was the same as that by the later Raketenwerfer 56 . History Edit The NbW 42 was used by the German Nebeltruppen in batteries of six launchers, with three batteries in a single battalion.

These units mainly formed art of the Werfer-Regiments and Werfer-Brigades, but some NbW 42s were also used by other Army and Waffen-SS units. [3] The NbW 42 was in service from 1943 to 1945, and was used in most theaters of the war except Norway and North Africa . [4] References 1/72 ESCI Nebelwerfer and Crew/s (IMG and Review) - FineScale Modeler - Essential magazine for scale model builders, model kit reviews, how-to scale modeling, and scale modeling products 1/72 ESCI Nebelwerfer and Crew/s (IMG and Review) 1/72 ESCI Nebelwerfer and Crew/s (IMG and Review) 5326 views 1/72 ESCI Nebelwerfer and Crew/s (IMG and Review) Posted by Panzer_Grenadire on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 4:21 AM This is another post on the topic of 1/72 WWII German artillery weapons featuring troopers.

While it has been a long period since the present ESCI kit was re-issued for the last time, this makes it quite special and this as well other things have been described inside the review. I hope you will enjoy both the text and the attached images. The photos feature not only the standard poses, but also the conversions I did to the figures from the other spure where I tried to depict two Nebelwerfer crews of four men each in quite dissimilar positions. (one standard, one converted). I also make an attempt in painting various types of Waffen SS camouflage patterns, but mentioning that the standard crew I painted in the same pattern (autumn/winter oak leaf). To the standard poses I just added Preiser Kar98K ammunition pouches. All straps of Kar98K were scrat-built from melted sprue. Nebelwerfers are built OOB and I do not enjoy too much the barrels which are much too thick. Above some photos there are provided few information regarding what the photo in case wants to show. I have this set from eBay and I wish to thank a lot to my friend Radu Petrovici for finding it for me.

I wish you will not find the quite long text and the large number of photos boring and any opinion or suggestion concerning the review or the painted troopers and Nebelwerfers is very welcome. Cristian Florescu "German Artillery Soldiers with 150 mm Nebelwerfer" ESCI/Ertl "Nebelwerfer 41 - Section with German Crew" 1 15 cm Nebelwerfer; 4 rockets; 2 rocket metal cases Aspect 1942 -1945 Review Though Nebelwerfer was a German artillery piece intensively used on all fronts after 1941, even at present the old ESCI kit has remained the only mass production replica of this weapon available in the 1/72 scale. Furthermore, not only the depicted subject, but also because it has passed a very long period since its last re-release, turn this kit into a very desired and hunted set by collectors, wargamers and diorama builders.

The original ESCI's Nebelwerfer had been re-boxed by companies comprising in their name "ESCI", respectively "Aurora-ESCI" "Revell-ESCI" and "ESCI/Ertl", the first quitting its existence in 1977 and the last in late 80's. Nowadays, Italeri is the one responsible with re-marketing ESCI products, but in spite the great interest of the target groups, the Nebelwerfer has not been brought again in modelling shops. Such a thing can only sustain the theory of "lost moulds" emphasising that several old ESCI moulds were forever gone in a fire, on the sea or due to other calamities. Lost or not lost, it is certitude that ESCI Nebelwerfer and its subsequent reissues represent a most wanted mass production kit, in plenty of cases the price of a box reaching the psychological barrier of 100 $ on eBay. World War II is acknowledged as bringing a massive contribution to the advancement of new weapons and improvement of older ones, Germans clearly distinguishing in this regard.

An excellent example of upgraded weapon is the rocket, which is attested to be used in battles by ancient Persians and Greeks as well as at wide scale by Chinese and Mongols a little bit latter. In the Middle Eve Europe rockets were often employed in conflicts, but the appearance of standard cannons put them out of business. It was the WWII the event dusting off the rocket that became famous in the service of Wehrmacht and Red Army. Researched in the 1920', several types of ground based rocket launchers were developed in the same time both by German and Russian engineers. Grouped in specialised and fully motorised units, rockets occupied a major place in the ordnances of those armies. In spite the general perception as Russians being the first making use of rockets in WWII, the truth is that Wehrmacht was the first army who put at work this weapon, and even with one month before Red Army did it. The history of rocket launcher artillery in WWII was opened right at the beginning of Operation "Barbarossa", when on June 22nd 1941 four Nebelwerfer Regiments sent their rockets against Red Army units.

The first Russian reply with similar weapons came on July 14th 1941, at almost one month distance. Due to their terrifying noise when fired, the ground based rocket launcher and its deadly charge received various nicknames, the German Nebelwerfer being called by Allies "Screaming Meemie" or "Moaning Minnie" while the Russian's most notorious are "Katyusha" and "Stalin's Organs". German Army recognised the importance and immense potential of rockets and granted enhanced attention to a weapon that known various shapes and utilisations in their service, starting from the common Nebelwerfer 41 and ending to V2, the rocket thanks to which lately the humans started to explore the space. The most known WWII German ground-based variants of rocket launchers were Nebelwerfer 41 firing 15 cm projectiles and Nebelwerfer 42 accommodating 21 cm rockets, but the easiest perceived difference rests in the fact that the 41 version had six barrels while the other only five.

Since 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 reached for the first time the front line, it remained in service with the German Army until the end of war, seeing action on all fronts including North Africa. The 15 cm Nebelwerfer or "smoke thrower" was a six-barreled tubular projector mounted on a slightly modified PAK35/36 chassis. Even the name might be a little confusing, the Nebelwerfer was definitely not an inoffensive weapon, while it could fire both smoke and incendiary or high explosive projectiles. Being very light, the weapon was towed by a large range of tractors though Sd.Kfz 11 was the dedicated one. The crew loaded the 15 cm Nebelwerfer from both sides starting with the lower barrels and continuing upwards, after aiming the weapon, the rockets being fired from few meters with an electric switch linked to the artillery piece by a cable. Never the rockets had been fired simultaneously while that could roll over the weapon.

The firing sequence was tube 1-4-6-2-3-5 at an interval of one or two seconds, documentaries of the period also attesting that Nebelwerfer was recoilless. In addition, the standard procedure required the crew to dig few meters far from the weapon foxholes on side and rear for taking cover while that was fired and then to return and reload it. Characteristic for Nebelwerfer was the large amount of smoke produced after the rockets were launched, divulging the position to the enemy. That represented a significant disadvantage of the weapon and because of the smoke fog, usually after firing several rounds, the crew rushed to relocate the artillery piece in a new strategic position. Built for providing support to infantry, along with the frightening noise of huge impact on enemy moral, the Nebelwerfer rockets attained great success when it was exercised a concentrated fire. Particularly enemy infantry units were the most exposed, but Nebelwerfer rockets had also the capacity to destroy soft skinned vehicles, buildings and even armour in case of a direct hit. Aware on the necessity of achieving a concentrate fire, German Army organised Nebelwerfer units in regiments, with the same organisation scheme as a standard artillery regiment.

For rockets to reach the desired impact, essential was the number and not the precision, the more launched, the better effectiveness was gained. Normally, a 15 cm Nebelwerfer battalion consisted in three batteries, each grouping six rocket projectors as well as an anti-tank gun integrated in the last battery. Operating pretty close to the front line, the presence of an anti-tank gun was more than required for protecting the battery against enemy armour. Moreover, there were often the cases when Nebeltruppen had to exercise a direct fire for protecting themselves against a threatening tank. Desperate situations require desperate measures and the Nebelwerfer crewmen discovered a strategy for using the launcher as an anti-tank weapon. In such a role there was loaded a single barrel, aiming being released through the next unloaded barrel. A successful hit could register within less than 200 m, not destroying a heavy tank, but damaging its tracks, enough for the artillerymen to have the chance to run away.

Returning to the purpose of the present review after a brief history of Nebelwerfer, the ESCI original title of the kit, "German Soldiers Smoke Units" does not refer at all to the included Nebelwerfer, even if the weapon was featured by a fine artwork. The same artwork was also adopted by the next re-releases made by Aurora/ESCI under the name "Nebelwerfer Battery" and Revell-Esci "German Artillery Soldiers with 150 mm Nebelwerfer". Though close, both the artwork and the title were changed by the last reissue made available by ESCI/Ertl, the set being labelled as "Nebelwerfer 41 - Section with German Crew", which is probably the most correct title. A part of the soldiers illustrated by the initial artwork appear in quite similar poses with those encountered inside the box while the other part targets possible stances and duties required by operating a Nebelwerfer, but not provided within the kit. In this regard, a trooper with a cable and another with a shovel introduce two common activities carried out around such a weapon, namely laying the electric cable of the switch and digging a foxhole.

These details corroborated with others reiterate the good research done by the ESCI team for releasing the set. No matter their titles, all boxes have taken in the same content formed by the assembly guide and two identical sprues, each incorporating the necessary parts for putting together a 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41, six figures as well as four Kar98K, one MP40, four 15 cm rockets and other two rockets in metal cases. A little bit contradictory is the number of crewmen operating the weapon, while KStN stressed that six troopers had to manage it, other sources, including reports of war prisoners and German journals of the period, reveal only four soldiers as crew for the 15 cm Nebelwerfer41. Anyway, providing six poses for the launcher, both versions are covered by the ESCI kit. Furthermore, the same KStN establishes the Nebelwerfer crews were endowed with Kar98K as personal weapons, and that is what we get here, four soldiers can be armed with such rifles. The next two warriors received dissimilar personal firing weapons, more precisely one has got a MP40 and the other a pistol in its holster.

Taking into account both the role and place where Nebelwerfer operated, these two figures might be appraised either as the commander and the NCO of the battery or forward artillery observers or even signal troops. The assembly sheet draws clear guidelines for putting together both the artillery piece and the figures. Moreover, the Aurora/ESCI instructions paper delivers some information about Nebelwerfer as well as an out of ordinary painting directions. The scheme mentions the colours that the real items have, but not reporting them to correspondent colours available on the hobby market. Likewise, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, on a couple of figures there are pointed the elements of equipment regularly carried by a WWII German soldier. The ESCI Nebelwerfer emerges as a little simplified model, but also the depicted weapon was so. The present 1/72 interpretation has the capacity of illustrating pretty fair the real Nebelwerfer, only 19 parts, matching quite good in their places, being necessary for putting together the artillery piece. The proper instructions as well as the uncomplicated assembly process and the low number of parts make possible even for an inexperienced modeller to finish an ESCI Nebelwerfer only in few minutes.

The final piece appears in scale but one drawback might lie in the thicker barrels featured by this Nebelwerfer, in reality its barrels being very thin. Coming loaded and in the launch position, the elevation of the weapon is adjustable due to the applied pin and hole system that of course, should not be glued. Considering the period when they were created, the ESCI Nebelwerfer crewmen promoted an innovative approach, not only the way they were dressed, but also the large quantity of personal equipment and its disposal on each figure constituting a premiere in the field at that time. A single figure, the one with binoculars, was cast as single piece, the other five needing some assembly, but here it is a simple and fast procedure, except the crouched figure delivered in more pieces, just arm or arms must be joined to the bodies. Standard, the modeller has to glue rockets for four figures as well as an MP40 belonging to the crouched figure. In addition, the choice of adding or not Kar98K to the soldiers holding rockets is accessible, separate rifles being supplied in this purpose.

Aware that the kit contains two identical sprues and the multipart characteristic, it is more than recommended to convert the minis from one sprue. Arms can be mixed and glued in a larger number of positions than the classical one and attaching to figures instead of rockets the metal cases will be simply and quickly conferred to figures a different look. Likewise, being made of hard plastic, heads and arms might be removed and replaced with others supplied by offers of various manufacturers such as Preiser, Dragon or Imex. Furthermore, the same sources should be accessed for extra gear and weapons employed in order to complete or replace those brought within the set. All these small tricks stand as reliable methods in reaching an increased diversity, facilitating the attainment of dissimilar crewmen for the other Nebelwerfer integrated in the kit. On the other hand, it is not compulsory for concluding the present figures as Nebeltruppen, they are also suitable for portraying infantry units or crew manning various cannons. The soldiers are dressed just the same, wearing parkas, padded trousers, ankle boots and steel helmets, attire recommending them for winter.

For enhancing the idea and because fingers are not very detailed, it seems that all figures wear gloves and probably toques, but these are not so clear revealed by the sculpture. Both items are more than appropriate and possible to be found here, gloves and toques being enclosed in the winter standard equipment issued for a WWII German soldier. Likewise, for better matching the most often met in the scale size, it is advisable to paint the helmets as covered by camouflage or white cloth though the producer's real desire on the topic is uncertain. Taking profit that it is not evident if the boots are common ankle boots or the special winter type, the figures may be employed, in spring, autumn or other cold periods, too. Regulations provided for that parkas had been distributed to all German soldiers for the winter season, starting with 15 September and had to be returned to depots for repairs and cleaning on 15 April, being redelivered the next year. Normally, situations in the field not always fit the regulations, parkas continuing to be seen on troopers all over the year, even in warm environments.

Parkas reached the front line for the first time in autumn of 1942, as a measure implemented after the previous year Russian winter dramatic experience. Same as smocks, parkas were reversible, but always one side was white while the other side was at the beginning Mouse Gray and after 1943 various Waffen SS, Wehrmacht or Italian camouflage patterns replaced the initial colour. The same situation applies also to the matching padded trousers, these particularities allowing the modeller to paint and bring a huge diversity to his ESCI Nebelwerfer crew. Gear is at its turn very attractive even judged on these days criteria, not only because its large amount, but also for how it stays on the figures. From this point of view should be highlighted the gas mask containers, the way these hung is extremely realistic and capable of suggesting the motion. However, a mistake is registered in terms of equipment, the soldiers to which the assembly instructions advise us to add Kar98Ks missing the related ammunition pouches. The problem can be easily solved with the support of the bulky number of extra ammunition pouches provided either by Preiser or Dragon sets.

The officer makes a distinct note, not receiving "Y" straps and his belt holds a pistol holster, a map case, a gas mask container and a canteen. All the rest are endowed with "Y" straps, mess tins, canteens, bread bags, gas mask containers with strap around the chest and Zeltbahns, while shovel only the crouched pose did not get, but in stead possesses an MP40 ammunition pouch. To this crouched figure it must be glued the MP40 whilst he has the correspondent ammunition pouch, but emplaced quite odd, pushed too much to the back, in a manner adopted at present also by Italeri in some of their new sets. A further remark aims again the gas mask containers, these featuring two straps around. Based on this fact, it might be assessed that sculptor's goal was to add gas cap pouches rolled around the container, because that was the way how most German soldiers worn the respective pouch. Although the presence of gas cap pouches is not so evident, the existence can be marked by painting them around the gas mask containers.

As previously pointed out on several occasions, personal firing weapons delivered are four Kar98K, one MP40 and one pistol in its holster. Except the pistol that was modelled at the belt of the officer, for gluing the rest of weapons we get assembly instructions. Nonetheless, it is not compulsory obeying them, especially for those proposed by the assembly guide for receiving a Kar98Ks. These are practically the Nebelwerfer crewmen, who as other artillery-men, often put down the personal weapons for better operating the gun. Still, if the owner of the set decides to endow his squad with Kar98Ks, it is wise either painting on the body the related straps or scratch-building some. A painless method, supported by the hard plastic material as well, consists in melting a sprue of the kit, cut the necessary length for each strap and then fixed it in the appropriate position with polly-cement glue. Perhaps, the best location for rifles is on the back of the figures if in front the modeller wishes to assemble the figures as holding rockets.

Six soldiers definitely cover the necessary number of a 15 cm Nebelwerfer crew, and ESCI brought us five standing and one crouched figure on the sprue. Based on the earlier mentioned and quite reliable sources and not on KStN, so taking as four the number of crewmen operating a Nebelwerfer, it is assessed that all troopers with Kar98K are assigned to the artillery piece, this time KStN attesting that Kar98K was the personal firing weapon of a Nebelwerfer crewman. One pose is repeated, but simply through gluing the arm and the rocket in a different position there can be achieved two distinct figures. The crew is caught while carrying ammunition, actually, one of the fewer possibilities at hand for a manufacturer intending to depict a Nebelwerfer team considering the rocket launcher was fired from few meters distance and with no soldier around. However, due to the fact that all the six barrels of the ESCI's Nebelwerfer are delivered already loaded, artillery-men with rockets in their hands have no possibility to touch the weapon for suggesting a loading operation. This is an aspect for reflection while the assembly guide advices us to emplace rockets in the palms of the troopers.

Nevertheless, if they are put together like that, more scenarios are plausible, bringing closer the ammunition for the next round or unloading the prime mover simply exemplify few choices also attested by reference materials. In fact, the ESCI Nebelwerfer crew in large amount has been based on two well-known reference images, not fully imitating the real soldiers, still closely linked. To all might be attached rockets, but not always the orientation of palms facilitates identical assembly with the provided guidance in the instruction sheet. However, after few tries, rockets will find the place in the hands of the crew. The other standing figure, an officer or artillery observer, holding on his chest the binoculars, is a pose that was duplicated within various ESCI armour kits. The problem comes from casting as a single piece, the binoculars being connected to the body by a considerable amount of excess of plastic, almost impossible to remove without affecting the figure. This fault might be reduced a little through painting, but from some angles, it still remains visible. While in general here there should be glued just one or two arms, a figure requiring more assembly represents the crouched soldier who is delivered in three parts, namely trunk, legs and right arm.

In his hands the offered guidelines tell us to put the MP40, but that is unworkable, the left palm being sticked to the body. The right one succeeds to accommodate the weapon pretty fine and this is enough for portraying a trooper while doing something with his MP40. Of great interest could be the hood worn over the helmet bearing in mind there are not many figures in the 1/72 scale featuring the same issue. Not really benefiting by an impressive sculpture on cloths, gear and anatomy, all these still are quite fairly done, but with a small amount of minor missing details, such as the drawstrings or some buttons that could be easily reproduced through painting. Creases on cloths are not so definite, a normal situation considering the thickness of the material employed for manufacturing the real parkas and padded trousers. In addition, the overall aspect of the parkas is much increased by their integrated hoods. If the item of garment is painted in camouflage or Mouse Gray, then the inner part of the hood has to be done in white and vice-versa. Anatomy is pretty satisfactory, with several differences in size between the figures, but nothing exceeding the natural limits or disturbing when emplacing all soldiers in the same location.

Facial details are visible and all right done, we even get an opened mouth at the crouched trooper. As earlier indicated, the toques and the camouflage/white cloths on helmets are not obvious, and painting them cannot influence the accuracy, but only improving these Nebelwerfer crewmen. Moreover, although the Kar98ks look quite good and in scale, the sculptor neglected a couple of tiny characteristic features of this weapon. If the modeller chooses not to replace them with some better Preiser or Dragon weapons, then the omitted details should be suggested again through paint. Neither the artillery piece, nor the figures or even the extra parts escape of flash, but the level is maintained in a normal limit, being effortless removed. The officer comes with an extremely small hole in his chest, close to binoculars area, but extra paint rapidly works out the matter. The multipart approach avoided excess of plastic that is noticeable only at the figure cast as a single piece. Furthermore, the back of each fighter wears the mark of the mould, materialised in a small circle, emphasised in several cases through excess of plastic.

At least at one soldier the undesired mark is hard to eliminate while no matter the sharpness of the modelling knife, access is made difficult by the narrow place between the Zeltbahn, gas mask container and bread bag. As for the large majority of various types of hard plastic, enamel, acrylics or artistic oils are greatly received, the material providing perfect conditions even at heavily handling. Normally, the standard modelling glue (polly-cement) is the only recommended adhesive for putting together the components of the kit. For all figures, including the crouched one, there are supplied separate bases, perhaps the greatest approach satisfying both those enjoying minis on stands and the diorama builders preferring a more realistic appearance of their troopers that for sure not include soldiers perched on diverse pedestals. Bearing in mind the huge importance and role of parkas during WWII, in the last period several key manufacturers of 1/72 figures have started to extend the number of soldiers wearing them, but for many years Esci's Nebelwerfer 41 crewmen were single options for depicting the topic.

Few troopers dressed in parkas are supplied by Revell's "WWII German Infantry", Italeri/Revell's "German Elite Troops", Italeri's "PAK 40 AT Gun with servants", HaT's "WWII German Bicyclists" and "WWII German Mounted Infantry". Apart from the here reviewed ESCI crew, Caesar's "German Infantry with Winter Gear" and Warriors' not large but outstanding series of four sets dedicated to infantry are nowadays the fundamental sets where all the figures wear parkas. The size of the crewmen shaped for ESCI's Nebelwerfer fits in the small side of 1/72 and in this light, probably their most appropriate companions, even if not dressed in parkas but smocks, are encountered in Armourfast's "WWII German Mortar Team" and "WWII German Machine Gun Team", Pegasus Hobbies' "Waffen SS - Set 2", Caesar's "WWII German Panzergrenadiers Set 1 and CMK's "Wehrmacht Mounted Infantry".

In addition, Caesar's "WWII German Mountain Troops" with mixed attire formed by winter jackets, Gebirgs anoraks and smocks stands out as an alternative for excellent comrades. Recognising the great contribution of ESCI in the history of modelling, and in particular at the promotion of the 1/72 scale, is beyond question a must. Oriented not only through products with market value, but also covering unusual topics, ESCI succeeded to make available to public an impressive catalogue of kits, some of them remaining un-reissued at the moment. Unfortunately, such a case is "German Soldiers Smoke Units", a real misfortune especially because its plus point resting in being the single mass production offer transposing the German 15 cm Nebelwerfer into a simplified, but fair 1/72 replica. Moreover, its twelve figures groped in five poses totally set apart from the other attempt of the company in depicting WWII German artillery pieces and their crews, "German Anti-tank Guns" where the soldiers are quite poor, but still re-marketed by Italeri.

Previously described well-founded arguments clearly detach the Nebelwerfer crewmen from the common style of the 1970s' minis, turning them into valuable troopers even nowadays. For those not wanting to pay for the set astronomical sums on eBay, the only solution is waiting for another re-boxing, but that is quite improbable, this kit being enclosed on the black list of the hypothetical theory "ESCI lost moulds". Historical Accuracy

Question: What type of weapon was the German nebelwerfer
Answer: Rocket launcher